Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath a railroad track



pr 8. 1967 w. H. MOOREHEAD, JR. ETAL 3,314,374

APPARATUS FOR INSERTING CROSSTIES BENEATH A RAILROAD TRACK Filed March15, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 18, 6 w. H. MOOREHEAD, JR. ETAL 3, 1

APPARATUS FOR INSERTING CROSSTIES BENEATH A RAILROAD TRACK Filed March15, 1965 5 Sheets-Shet 2 INV NTORS VVf/lr' m H. Moore/ a,,1. Z Rgya e G.Kara/ 45 r BY W M pr 1967 w. H. MOOREHEAD, JR.. ETAL APPARATUS FORINSERTING CROSSTIES BENEATH A RAILROAD TRACK Filed March 15, 1965 5Sheets-Sheet 5 William /Mo0 Pa ee G lrshau.)

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A /hm w Ap l 8. 1967 w. H. MOOREHEAD, JR.. ETAL 3,314,374

APPARATUS FOR INSERTING CROSSTIES BENEATH A RAILROAD TRACK Filed March15, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS mm M Mmwa Ja P yce r K nshaw W. H.MOOREHEAD, JR.. APPARATUS FOR INSERTING CROSSTIES ETAL A ril 18, 1967BENEATH A RAILROAD TRACK 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 15, 1965 3,314,374APPARATUS FOR INSERTHNG CROS'STIES BENEATH A RAILROAD TRACK William H.Moorehead, Jr., and Royce G. Kershaw, Montgomery, Ala, assignors toKershaw Manufacturing Co., Inc, a corporation of Alabama Filed Mar. 15,1965, Ser. No. 439,595 16 Claims. (Cl. 104-9) This invention relates toapparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroad trackand more particularly to such apparatus which shall be adapted to insertthe crossties in a straight line while the top of the crosstie is freeof ballast and the like.

An object of our invention is to provide apparatus for insertingcrossties beneath the rails of a railroad track which shall beself-contained in that the crossties are carried by the apparatus andtransferred sequentially to a predetermined location whereupon they arethen transferred by a transversely movable frame to a position beneaththe railroad rails, thus eliminating the necessity of providing men toguide the crossties beneath the railroad track, as is done presently.

A more specific object of our invention is to provide apparatus forinserting crossties beneath a railroad track of the character designatedin which guide means is carried by the apparatus in position to engagethe upper surface of the crosstie to thus prevent the leading end of thecrosstie from striking the railroad rail.

A further object of our invention is to provide apparatus for insertinga crosstie beneath a railroad track of the character dwignated whichshall include improved means for carrying a plurality of crossties,together with means for feeding the crossties sequentially to apredetermined location on the apparatus, thus eliminating the necessityof having to position the crosstie at spaced intervals alongside therailroad track.

A still further object of our invention is to provide apparatus forinserting crossties beneath a railroad track which shall be simple ofconstruction, economical of manufacture and one which positivelycontrols the depth,

nited States Patent attitude and cleanliness of the inserted tie wherebyeach crosstie is positioned accurately with a minimum of effort and in aminimum of time.

As is well known in the art to which our invention relates, it has beencustomary to insert crossties beneath realroad tracks by employing mento walk alongside the railroad rails in position to guide the tie as itis forced beneath the rails. Also, it has been customary to position thecrossties outwardly of the rails at spaced intervals whereby they arethen moved to the proper position relative to the rails and then forcedbeneath the rails. This procedure not only requires the crosstie to behandled several times but requires considerable labor. Furthermore, thecrossties are not inserted in a precise, straightline since thecrossties are handled manually. Furthermore, the upper surface of thecrosstie is not maintained clean of ballast during the manual operationsince the crosstie is moved from side to side by the manual operationwhereupon considerable ballast is deposited on the crosstie.

To overcome the above and other difiiculties, we provide aself-contained unit which carries a plurality of crossties thereon inposition to be transferred to a conveying unit which in turn depositsthe crossties sequentially to a predetermined location. A transverselymovable frame is carried by the apparatus in position to move thecrossties from the predetermined location to a position outwardly of therails and thence to a position beneath the rails. The transverse frameis moved transversely of the railroad rails and is moved to selectedelevations Patented Apr. 18, 1967 "ice whereby the crosstie is insertedin a precise, straight-line beneath the railroad rails.

Apparatus embodying features of our invention is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of our improved apparatus showing acrosstie being inserted beneath the rails of a railroad track;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmental view showing the means for insertingthe crosstie beneath the rails;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken generally along the line IIIIII of FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken generally along the line IV-IV of FIG,2, drawn to a smaller scale;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken generally along line VV of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken generally along the line VIVI of FIG.4;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the apparatus, the crossties which areusually carried "by the apparatus being omitted for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along the lineVHIVIII of -F IG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a fragmental view showing the outermost end of the transverseunit which inserts the crossties.

Referring now to the drawings for a better understanding of ourinvention, we show a supporting frame 10 having flanged wheels 11 whichare adapted to ride along the rails 12 which are supported by crossties13. The supporting frame 10 is propelled along the railroad track bysuitable means well known in the art, such as providing a power unit 14on the supporting frame. The power unit 14 may be operatively connectedto certain ones of the flanged wheels 11 by suitable means, such as byproviding a mechanical drive between the power unit and the wheels or byproviding a fluid drive therebetween. Since such drive means are wellknown in the art, no further description thereof is deemed necessary.

A rack 16 is provided adjacent the rear end of. the supporting frame 10for receiving a plurality of crossties 13 to be inserted. The rack 16 isprovided with upstanding end frames 17 and 18 which are connected attheir lower ends by a platform 19 for supporting the crossties. Thecrossties are loaded onto the rack 16 in bundles by a cable 1% which inturn is operatively connected to a fluid pressure operated cylinder 21whereby upon actua- 1 tion of the cylinder 21, the bundle of crosstiesis raised or lowered.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, an endless conveyor unit indicated generallyat 22 is mounted beneath the platform 19 of the rack 16. Preferably, theconveyor unit 22 comprises two endless chain units 23 and 24 which arepropelled by suitable means, such as a fluid pressure motor 26 having ashaft 27 which in turn is operatively connected to a drive sprocket 28that meshes with the chains 23 and 24. Suitable flights 29 are carriedby the chains 23 and 24 in position to engage the crossties 13 whereuponthey are conveyed forwardly of the supporting frame. The platform 19 isprovided with side members 31 which extend alongside the ends of thecrossties 13 to thus maintain the crossties in proper position on theconveying Chains 23 and 24.

As clearly shown in FIG. 8, the under surface of the platform 19 isspaced vertically from the upper surface of the crossties 13 to permitfree movement of the crossties beneath the platform. The rear end of theconveyor chain 23 projects beyond the rear end of the rack 16 inposition to receive the crossties 13 as they are transferred thereon bysuitable means, such as a hoist unit 32 carried by the rear frame member17, as shown in FIG. 1. A platform 33 is mounted rearwardly of theconveyor unit 22 in position for an operator to stand and operate thehoist '32 to thus transfer the crossties 13 from the rack 16 onto therearmost conveyor chain 23. The crossties are then transferred forwardlyto a predetermined location 34 forwardly of the rack 16. A stop member36 is mounted on the supporting frame in position to limit forwardmovement of the crosstie 13 beyond the predetermined location 34.Preferably, the supporting frame 10 is provided with a downwardly andforwardly sloping portion 37 which defines a support for the crosstie atthe predetermined location 34. Suitable rollers 37" may be carried bythe sloping portion 37, as shown. Accordingly, upon leaving the conveyorunit 22, the crossties 13 move sequentially down the inclined surface 37into engagement with the stop 36.

The fluid pressure operated cylinder 21 is mounted on a boom 38 which isadapted for pivotal movement about a pivot pin 39, as shown in FIGS. 1and 7. A sheave 41 is mounted at the rear end of the boom 38 in positionto engage the cable 19, as shown. A sheave 42 is carried by a piston rod43 for the cylinder 21 and the cable 19 passes around the sheaves 41 and42 in such a manner that a small amount of movement of the piston rod 43imparts a considerable amount of movement to the cable 19% The boom 38is mounted on suitable rollers 44 which are adapted to engage an arcuatetrackway 46 whereby the boom is adapted to move from the position shownin FIG. 7 to a position transversely of the railroad track. Movement ofthe boom 38 about the pivot pin 39 is accomplished by flexible cables 47and 48 which are connected to opposite sides of the boom, as shown inFIG. 7. Each of the cables 47 and 48 passes around a pair of sheaves 4Z9and 51. Each sheave 51 is connected to a piston rod 52 carried by ahydraulic cylinder 53 whereby upon actuation of the hydraulic cylinders,the cables 47 and '48 are moved in the proper direction to rotate theboom 38 in a manner well understood in the art. That is, a slightmovement of either of the piston rods 52 imparts a considerable amountof movement to the cable connected thereto whereby the boom 38 is movedselectively from the position shown in FIG. 7 to a position transverselyof the rails 12.

Pivotally connected to upstanding portions of the supporting frame 10 bysuitable pivot pins 54 are a pair of rearwardly extending pantographarms '56. Pivotally connected to the rear ends of the pantograph arms 56by suitable pivot pins 57 is a guide frame 58 which extends transverselyof the supporting frame 10 and the railroad rails 12, as shown. Theguide frame 58 comprises a plurality of spaced apart, vertical framemembers 59 which are of a generally inverted V-shape, as viewed in endelevation. The vertical frame members 59 are connected at the upper endsthereof by an elongated member 61 while the lower ends of the verticalmembers 59 are connected by elongated members 62 and 63, as shown inFIG. 7.

Pivotally connected to the pantograph arms 56 by pivot pins 64 arepiston rods 66 of fluid pressure operated cylinders 67. The lower endsof the cylinders 67 are pivotally connected to the supporting frame 10by suitable pivot pins 68. Fluid under pressure is introuced into thefluid pressure operated cylinder 67 whereby the piston rod 66 isextended or retracted to move the guide frame 58' to selected positionsrelative to the supporting frame 10.

Pivotally connected to the supporting frame 10 by pivot pins 69 are apair of fluid pressure operated cylinders 71 having rearwardly extendingpiston rods 72. The rearmost ends of the piston rods '72 are pivotallyconnected to the lower portion of the guide frame 58 by suitable pivotpins 73. Accordingly, the guide frame 58 is adapted to be moved by thecylinders 67'and 71 from the solid line position shown in FIG. 2 todotted line position.

Mounted at the top and at the lower, opposite sides of the guide frame58 are a plurality of oppositely disposed pairs of support brackets 74.Mounted for rotation between each pair of support brackets 74 on asuitable pivot pin 76 is a roller 77. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, therollers 77 are provided with arcuate outer surfaces which are adapted toengage the outer surfaces of elongated trackways 7d car-ried by amovable frame 79 that is adapted to move transversely of the supportingframe 10 and the rails 12. The guide members 78 are rigidly connected toeach other by vertical members 81 which are spaced from each other, asshown in FIG. 4.

Secured to the movable frame 79 is a depending support bracket 83, asshown in FIG. 4. Pivotally connected to the support bracket 83 by apivot pin 84 is a depending gripping member 86 having gripping jaws 87adjacent the lower end thereof in position to engage a crosstie 13intermediate the ends thereof. Pivotally connected to the grippingmember 86 by a pivot pin 88 is a piston rod 89 of a fluid pressureoperated cylinder 91. The cylinder 91 is pivoatlly connected to thetransverse frame 79 by a pivot pin 92; Fluid under pressure is, suppliedto and exhausted from the fluid pressure operated cylinder 91 wherebythe gripping member 86 may be raised and lowered relative to thesupporting frame 10. That is, as the crosstie 13 is inserted beneath therails 12 the gripping member 3-6 is elevated upon approaching theadjacent rail 12 whereby it moves upwardly and outwardly in position topass over the supporting frame 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the grippingelements 87 are provided with a series of teeth 93 which are adapted tomesh with a rack member 94 which in turn is actuated by a fluid pressureoperated cylinder 96.

Mounted adjacent the outer end of the transversely movable frame 79 is adownwardly and outwardly extending support bracket 97. Mounted forvertical movement relative. to the lower end of the support bracket 97is a vertically movable unit 98 which is raised and lowered by suitablemeans, such as a fluid pressure operated cylinder 99 carrying a pistonrod 191 connected to the movable unit 98, as clearly shown in FIG. 2.The movable unit 98 is provided with vertically extending slots 2therein for receiving a transverse member 193 which is secured by bolts104 to inturned flanges 196 carried by the lower end of the bracket 97,as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9. Accordingly, vertical movement of the pistonrod 101 and the movable unit 98 is limited by engagement of thetransverse member 193 with the upper and lower ends of the verticalslots'1ll2.

Extending outwardly from opposite sides of the movable unit 98, as shownin FIGS. 2 and 9, are pairs of vertically spaced brackets 107. Mountedfor pivotal movement between each pair of the brackets 107 is a grippingelement 198 which is adapted to engage the crosstie 13 adjacent the endthereof, as clearly shown in FIG. 9. Each gripping element 198 issubstantially identical to the gripping elements 87. That is, they areprovided with a segment of teeth which are adapted to mesh with a rack94 whereby the gripping elements are moved into and out of grippingrelation with the crosstie. The rack 94 shown in FIG. 9 is provided withan upturned end portion 109 which is operatively connected to a fluidpressure operated cylinder 111 whereby the gripping elements 108 areactuated upon operation of the fluid pressure operated cylinder 111 in amanner well understood in the art.

Pivotally connected to the forward end of the supporting frame 10 by asuitable pivot pin 112 is an outwardly projecting arm 113. Pivotallyconnected to the outer end of the arm 1'13 by a pivot pin 114 is one endof an elongated arm 116. The other end of the arm 116 is pivotallyconnected by a suitable connection 117 to a support bracket 118 carriedby the inner surface of the downwardly and outwardly extending supportbracket 97, as shown in FIG. 4. Pivotally connected to the elongated arm116 intermediate the ends thereof by a pivot pin 119 is a piston rod 121of a fluidpressure operated cylinder 122. The cylinder 122 is pivotallyconnected to the supporting frame by a suitable pivot pin 123.Accordingly, upon introducing fluid under pressure into the fluidpressure operated cylinder 122, the piston rod 121 forces the arm 116outwardly to thereby move the movable frame 79 and the crosstie 13carried thereby outwardly of the railroad rails. On the other hand, uponmoving the piston rod 121 inwardly of the fluid pressure operatedcylinder 122, the arm 116 moves inwardly to thus move the movable frame79 and the crosstie 13 carried thereby beneath the rails 12. It will beunderstood that the guide frame 58 and the movable frame 79 carriedthereby are both lowered to an elevation subjacent the rails 12 byactuation of the fluid pressure actuated cylinders 67 and 71.

To guide the crosstie 13 as it is inserted beneath the rails 12, weprovide guide rollers 124 in position to engage the upper surface of thecrosstie being inserted, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The guide rollers124 are provided with outwardly flaring flanges 126 at the sides thereofdisposed to urge the crosstie 13 into correct position relative to theguide rollers. The guide rollers 124 are mounted on shafts 127 which aresupported by depending plate-like members 128 which in turn are securedto a movable frame 129, as shown in FIG. 5. The movable frame 129 ispivotally connected to the supporting frame 10 by a supporting shaft131. Secured rigidly to and projecting outwardly from the movable frame129 is an actuating arm 132. Pivotally connected to the outer end of thearm 132 by a pivot pin 133 is a piston rod 134 of a fluid pressureoperated cylinder 136. The cylinder 136 is pivotally connected to thesupporting frame 10 by a suitable pivot pin 137.

Mounted for rotation in the movable frame 129 and extending transverselyof the railroad rails 12 is a shaft 138 which carries a plurality ofbroom-like sweeper elements 139 which are adapted to engage the uppersurface of the crosstie 13 to thereby maintain the same in a cleancondition as it is being inserted beneath the rails. Preferably, thebroom-like sweeper elements 139 are mounted at opposite sides of theguide rollers 124, as shown in FIG. 4. Rotary motion is imparted to theshaft 131 by a flexible drive element 141 which is operatively connectedto a suitable power unit, such as the fluid motor 142. The shaft 131 isoperatively connected to the shaft 138 by a flexible drive element 143where-by rotary motion is imparted to the shaft 138.

From the foregoing description, the operation of our improved apparatusfor inserting crossties beneath a railroad track will be readilyunderstood. A bundle of crossties 13 are loaded onto the rack 16 byactuating the fluid pressure operated cylinders 53 in a manner to swingthe boom 38 laterally of the railroad rails 12 whereby the crossties 13may be engaged by the flexible member 19 It will be apparent thatsuitable bundle straps may be employed for encircling a bundle ofcrossties 13 which are in turn connected to the cable 19 The bundle iselevated by actuating cylinders 21 to retract the cable 19*. With thecrossties 13 mounted on the platform 19 of the rack 16, as shown in FIG.1, the crossties are then removed from the rack 16 by the hoist unit 32whereby they are then positioned on the rearwardly projecting portion ofthe conveyor unit 22. The crossties 13 are then conveyed beneath theplatform 19 sequentially to the downwardly inclined portion 37 of thesupporting frame 10 whereby they are supported by the rollers 37 Thestop member 36 positions each crosstie 13 acurately in a predeterminedposition.

The guide frame 58 and the transversely movable frame 79 carried therebyare then moved from the solid line position shown in FIGURE 2 to thedotted line position whereupon the gripping elements 108 and 87 are inposition to engage the crosstie 13, as described hereinabove. The guideframe 58 is moved to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 2 byenergizing the fluid pressure operated cylinders 67 and 71. With thecrosstie gripped by the gripping elements 87 and 108, the transverselymovable frame 79 is moved outwardly and laterally of the supportingframe whereby the crosstie 13 is positioned outwardly of the rails 12.Lateral movement of the movable frame 79 is accomplished by actuatingthe fluid pressure operated cylinder 122 whereupon the arm 116 movesoutwardly, as shown in FIG. 7.

While we have shown only one pair of arms 113 and 116 for moving themovable frame 79 transversely of the supporting frame, it will beapparent that where it is desired to insert the cross-ties from theopposite side of the rails 12, the arm 113 will be pivotally connectedto a pivot pin 112" whereby the arms 113 and 116 would be at theopposite side of the supporting frame. It will also be apparent thatwhere the crossties are inserted from the opposite side of the rails,the supporting bracket 97 would be mounted at the opposite end of themovable frame from that shown in the drawings. Suffice it to say thatthe crossties could be inserted from either side of the rails 12 by aslight modification of the apparatus as just described.

With the crosstie 13 positioned outwardly of the rails 12, the guideframe 58 and the transversely movable frame 79 carried thereby arelowered by actuating the cylinders 67 and 71 to thus position thecrosstie 13 at the exact location to be inserted beneath the rails 12.That is, the crosstie is lowered to a position whereby it is subjacentthe rails 12. With the crosstie thus aligned for insertion benath therails 12, the fluid pressure operated cylinder 122 is again actuated tomove the arm 116 inwardly to thus insert the crosstie beneath the rails12. As the crosstie moves beneath the rails 12, the rollers 124 limitupward movement of the crosstie relative to the rails thus assuring thatthe leading end of the crosstie 13 does not strike the far rail. Also,as the crosstie 13 is being inserted, the sweeper elements 139continuously engage the upper surface of the crosstie to maintain thesame free of ballast during insertion of the crosstie. As the dependinggripping member 86 approaches the rail 12, the fluid pressure operatedcylinder 96 is actuated to release the gripper elements 87 and the fluidpressure operated cylinder 91 is actuated to elevate the gripping member86 whereby it passes over the supporting frame to thus permit inwardmovement of the transversely movable frame 79 to its innermost positionto accurately position the crosstie 13 beneath the rails 12. In theevent an adjoining track or other obstruction requires, the outermostgripping elements 108 can be raised and lowered vertically by actuatingthe cylinder 99 so as to tilt the crosstie 13 to clear the obstructions.

With the crosstie 13 thus inserted beneath the rails 12, the outermostgripping elements 108 are released by actuating the cylinder 111. Theguide frame 58 and the transversely movable frame 79 are then elevatedand moved to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 2 for engagementwith another crosstie 13 whereupon the cycle of operation is repeated.It will be understood that the supporting frame 10 travels along therails 12 to position the movable frame 79 at the correct position forinsertion of the crossties 13 beneath the rails. Also, a suitableoperators seat is mounted on the supporting frame 10 in position for theoperator to have a clear view of the tie inserting apparatus.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that we have devised improvedapparatus for inserting crossties beneath a railroad track. By providinga self-contained unit which carries a plurality of crossties, togetherwith means for introducing the crossties sequentially to a predeterminedlocation on the supporting frame, We eliminate entirely the necessity ofdistributing the crossties along the railroad track. Also, by providingmeans for removing the crossties from the predetermined location to aposition subjacent the rails, we eliminate the necessity of providingWorkers for manual insertion of the crossties be- 7 neath the rails.Furthermore, by providing guide members and sweeper elements in positionto engage the upper surface of the crosstie as it is being inserted, thecrosstie is inserted accurately into its desired position beneath therails and at the same time the ballast does not interfere with movementof the crosstie beneath the rails. That is, our improved apparatuspositively controls the depth,

attitude and cleanliness of the inserted crosstie.

While we have shown our invention in but one form, it will be obvious tothose skilled in the art that it is not so limited but is susceptible ofvarious changes and modifications without departing from the spiritthereof, and we desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall beplaced thereupon as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What we claim is:

1. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack comprising:

(a) a supporting frame adapted for movement longitudinally of a railroadtrack,

(b) means to supply crossties sequentially at a predetermined locationon said supporting frame,

(c) a transverse frame mounted on said supporting frame for movementtransversely of the rails of the railroad track,

(d) depending gripper elements carried by said transverse frame disposedto engage a crosstie positioned at said predetermined location on saidsupporting frame,

(e) means to move said transverse frame laterally and outwardly of saidsupporting frame to position a crosstie carried thereby outwardly of therailroad rails,

(f) means to move said transverse frame to a lowered position to place acrosstie carried thereby at an elevation subjacent the elevation of saidrails, and

(g) means to move said transverse frame inwardly from said loweredposition to insert a crosstie beneath said rails.

2. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 1 in which a guide member is carried by saidsupporting frame in position to engage the upper surface of a crosstieas the crosstie is inserted benath the rails to limit upward movement ofthe crosstie as it is inserted beneath the rails.

3. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 2 in which the guide member comprises:

(a) a movable frame supported by said supporting frame and adapted formovement relative thereto, and

(b) at least one flanged roller carried by said movable frame inposition to extend transversely over a crosstie inserted with theflanges thereof disposed at opposite sides of the crosstie.

4-. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 3 in which a rotary brush is carried by saidmovable frame in position to engage the upper surface of the crosstiebeing inserted.

5. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 1 in which a first pair of gripping elementsare carried by said transverse frame in position to engage a crosstiebeing inserted intermediate the ends of said crosstie, and a second pairof gripping elements are carried by said transverse frame in position toengage said crosstie being inserted adjacent an end thereof, said firstpair of gripping elements being adapted to be elevated upon approachinga rail of the railroad track.

6. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 5 in which power actuating means is interposedbetween said first pair of gripping elements and said transverse frameto elevate said first pair of gripping elements upon approaching a railof the railroad track.

7. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 5 in which means is provided to move saidsecond pair of gripping elements to selected vertical positions relativeto said transverse frame.

8. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 1 in which the means to supply crosstiessequentially at a predetermined location on said supporting framecomprises:

(a) a platform on said supporting frame disposed to support a pluralityof crossties,

(b) conveyor means mounted subjacent said platform and disposed todeliver the crossties to said predetermined location, and

(c) means to transfer the crossties from said platform to said conveyormeans.

9. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 8 in which the conveyor means comprises anendless conveyor mounted subjacent the platform with one end of saidconveyor projecting beyond said platform in position to receive thecrossties sequentially from said platform.

10. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 9 in which a hoist unit is mounted on saidsupporting frame to transfer the crossties from said platform to saidone end of the endless conveyor.

11. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim it? in which the means to move said transverseframe laterally and outwardly comprises:

(a) an elongated actuating arm,

(b) means pivotally connecting one end of said arm to said supportingframe,

(6) means pivotally connecting the other end of said arm to saidtransverse frame, and

(d) power actuated means interposed between said supporting frame andsaid arm to move said other end of said arm and said transverse frameconnected thereto relative to said supporting frame.

12. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack comprising:

(a) a supporting frame adapted for movement longitudinally of a railroadtrack,

(b) means to supply crossties sequentially at a predetermined locationon said supporting frame,

(0) a guide frame extending transversely of said supporting frame,

(d) a movable frame carried by said guide frame and disposed to movetransversely of said supporting frame,

(e) depending gripper elements carried by said movable frame anddisposed to engage a crosstie positioned at said predetermined locationon said supporting frame,

(f) means to move said movable frame outwardly of said supporting frameto position a crosstie carried thereby outwardly of the railroad rails,

(g) means to move said guide frame relative to said supporting frame tomove a crosstie carried thereby from said predetermined position to aposition subjacent the elevation of said rails, and

(b) means to move said movable frame inwardly relative to saidsupporting frame to insert a crosstie beneath said rails.

13. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 12 in which the guide frame is operativelyconnected to the supporting frame by pantograph arms.

14. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 12 in which fiuid pressure operated cylindersare mounted between said guide frame and said supporting frame to movesaid guide frame relative to said supporting frame.

15. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 12 in which guide rollers are mounted betweensaid guide frame and said movable frame.

16. Apparatus for inserting crossties beneath the rails of a railroadtrack as defined in claim 14 in which guide rollers are mounted on saidguide frame and elongated track members are mounted on said movableframe in position to receive said guide rollers.

No references cited.

1. APPARATUS FOR INSERTING CROSSTIES BENEATH THE RAILS OF A RAILROADTRACK COMPRISING: (A) A SUPPORTING FRAME ADAPTED FOR MOVEMENTLONGITUDINALLY OF A RAILROAD TRACK, (B) MEANS TO SUPPLY CROSSTIESSEQUENTIALLY AT A PREDETERMINED LOCATION ON SAID SUPPORTING FRAME, (C) ATRANSVERSE FRAME MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORTING FRAME FOR MOVEMENTTRANSVERSELY OF THE RAILS OF THE RAILROAD TRACK, (D) DEPENDING GRIPPERELEMENTS CARRIED BY SAID TRANSVERSE FRAME DISPOSED TO ENGAGE A CROSSTIEPOSITIONED AT SAID PREDETERMINED LOCATION ON SAID SUPPORTING FRAME,